'We Let The Country Down': Indian Football Star Admits National Team's WC Qualification Failure

The Indian Football Team majorly underperformed during this year's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers campaign and crashed out in the round 2 of qualifiers after an uninspiring league campaign. India's World Cup dream came to an end on June 12, 2024 when they lost to Qatar 2-1 in a controversial manner after the home side were awarded a very dubious goal. 

The loss against Qatar created a major furore in India as the nation felt they were hard done by the officials. However, the truth remained that Indian Team led by then coach Igor Stimac had only themselves to blame as they couldn't get the job done in the earlier games against relatively easier opponents in Afghanistan and Kuwait.  

Reflecting on India's poor FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, star footballer has admitted that Blue Tigers failed to achieve their objective and apologises to the fans. 

Star Indian Footballer apologises to fans for Blue Tigers' FIFA WC Qualifiers failure 

The FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA will feature an expanded tournament as the number of teams have been increased from 32 to 48. Given the increased number of teams, the qualification format and the talent Blue Tigers had at their disposal, this was touted as India's best opportunity reach the finals. 

Hence when India took only one point out of potential six against Afghanistan, drew at home to Kuwait leading to India's elimination from Round 2 of Qualifiers, fans were left angry and disappointed. 

In an exclusive chat with Republic World, star Indian Footballer Akash Mishra admitted that the National Team failed in their objective and has apologised to the fans for their poor performances. 

“At this moment I cannot say more. I can only say, of course, I know we have disappointed the fans. Our expectations were higher that we could have done much better. And fans also, they know that we could have done better. We also know, coaches also know. But on behalf of everyone, even I am saying sorry,” said Akash Mishra to Republic World. 

Read the full interview here | Exclusive/ Indian Football Star Akash Mishra Makes FIFA WC Promise To Fans

Akash Mishra further vowed that him and his teammates were aware of their shortcomings and promise to bring happiness back to the fans. 

“All the players, they feel deep inside that they have let the country down. But yes, be with us. Come to the stadium or support however you want. But we'll give you the reason to smile back and we'll fight for the nation,” said Akash Mishra. 

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Akash Mishra is currently on the sidelines of the Indian Football Team and Mumbai City FC as he is recovering from an ACL injury that he picked up earlier in the year during Mumbai City FC's ISL semi-final against FC Goa .